Hot Spring Area Fenced Off

Image 1 of 2Park rangers and rescue workers, ready to put up a fence. Photo/The Environment Agency of Iceland

Image 2 of 2The area is being fenced off to protect it from traffic.Photo/The Environment Agency of Iceland

The hot spring area by Brennisteinsalda volcano, within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the southern highlands of Iceland, is being fenced off to protect it from pedestrian traffic. The Environment Agency of Iceland believes it is necessary to direct traffic in the area to protect geyserite, or hard opaline siliceous deposits, around the hot springs.

Geyserite is easily damaged if people tread on it, so areas next to trails must be fenced off and signs put up to guide travelers. Transporting the fence poles to the area proved difficult, however, but rescue workers in the highlands, as well as hikers, helped carry them the last stretch of the way.